The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
MIDSUMMER FASHION DREAM
KERRY DESIGNERS DAZZLE AT ‘AN ENCHANTED FOREST’ THEMED FASHION SHOW IN SHEEN FALLS LODGE
TRENDS come and go, but there is one conversation in the Irish fashion industry that is here to stay. Sustainable fashion is on the tip of seemingly everyone’s tongue and Kenmare acknowledged this in a big way last week.
Sheen Falls Lodge was the host of Irish design showcase “An Enchanted Forest” on Midsummer’s Night on Thursday. Rising international fashion designer Colin Horgan made a much - anticipated return to his native Kerry as the Special Guest Designer.
Fashion & lifestyle professional Orla Diffily produced the evening and said it was a wonderful celebration of Irish talent.
“There were two inspirations – to showcase Irish fashion, and sustainability,” Orla explained.
“Think of sustainability as how our grannies dressed – they bought and wore clothes that would last. It’s all about clothes that will survive the test of time, sharing clothes, and not just wearing something once and throwing it away straight after.”
The evening commenced with a fine wines and canapés reception outdoors by the Falls, accompanied by a salon-styled fashion show with looks from Hannons of Castleisland, MacBees Killarney, Annburys Tralee and Jasmine boutique with bespoke headpieces by Cathy Troth.
Guests then moved for the main show within Sheen Falls, which was transformed by Creative Director Ann Marie O’Leary into an enchanted forest using locally foraged materials.
Orla said that Midsummer’s Night was chosen for a very specific reason.
“It was a fitting idea to have an event focusing on fashion’s sustainable future on the longest day of the year.”
The show included big names in the Irish Fashion Industry such as Sarah Murphy, Alice Halliday, Carol Kennelly, Tina Griffin, Hazel Comyn, Helen Steele, Aoife Hannon, Delphine Grandjouan, House of Kerry and emerging young talents Siobhan Heffernan and Rita Zachar.
Best dressed on the evening was won by Joann Murphy who wore head–to-toe Irish design, including pieces from Joanne Hynes.
Orla’s main tip for taking steps towards sustainability is to know the story behind what you are wearing.
Be conscious of where a product is made and if those who make it are fairly paid, ensuring fabrics are sustainable and supporting local designers to reduce carbon footprint and generate the economy.